Blackstone

The bustling town of Blackstone lies about 35 miles west of Petersburg in rural Nottoway County.It is probably best known for its proximity to Fort Pickett, built as a U.S. Army post during World War II and now a busy, progressive training center used by both military and non-military organizations.

Blackstone dates back to revolutionary times when it was a crossroads known as Blacks and Whites, the names of two families that had built taverns there. One of those, Schwartz Tavern (schwarz means black in German) still stands and has been faithfully restored as a museum. On the same grounds is the Robert Thomas Carriage Museum which houses one of the finest collections of horse-drawn coaches and carriages in the country.

Both museums are within walking distance of the historic downtown area which has undergone a wonderful transformation since being named a Main Street community in 2007.Among the many interesting retail shops and quaint restaurants is a 20,000+ square foot Antiques and Crafts Mall.

Blackstone is also home to the impressive Methodist Assembly Center whose bucolic campus was once that of the prestigious Blackstone College for Women.It sits at the edge of a neighborhood of fine, restored Victorian homes.A short distance away is historic Nottoway Courthouse, the county seat, famous for its role in the Civil War.